Time to audition in Ukiah band competition for Youth Action Day

The call is out for band competition auditions; the winner, a group or solo act, will perform on stage at the 4th annual Youth Action Party at Alex Thomas Plaza on Sept. 20.

Carter Grissom, youth worker at Mendocino County Youth Project and coordinator of the event, says it's time for those interested in performing in the warm-up spot for Top Shelf to submit a video to Facebook/Youth Action Party by Sept. 2. The winner will be announced on KWINE on Sept. 5.

The winner(s) will receive $200 for performing, three rehearsal sessions prior to the gig with members of Top Shelf, a custom band logo designed by Brandon Kight Visual Creations, 100 stickers of the new band logo by Banners and Signs, a complete photo shoot with Chris Arson Photography and four hours of recording studio time at Russian River Records. "It's like a mentorship, a start-up package for a new band," he says.

All styles of music will be accepted and those interested must be between the ages of 12 to 24, be prepared to perform a 30-minute set and live in Lake or Mendocino counties. Positive content is preferred.

The first band competition winners were two young women who played acoustic country music, and last year's was the band Freak'n It, a teen trio who played punk rock. There's a wide range of opportunity there.

The Youth Action Party is a drug- and alcohol-free event for teens and families, providing and encouraging healthy alternatives. Music, art, interactive events and education will be showcased.

The Arbor is providing a dunk tank, promising the participation of some pretty high profile individuals: think middle- and high school administrators. Businesses and agencies will be there, 24 in total, offering a variety of activities geared toward interaction with the youth of the community.

Grissom says that this is the day that everyone comes together for the teens.

Mendocino County sheriff's representatives will be doing a face-to-face methamphetamine program using a photo booth to show the potential personal ravages of this particular drug. On the lighter side, there will be cupcake designing, trivia games and a live art zone with canvas and paint provided by Tim Poma. Slam Dunk will be bringing the pizza.

The afternoon will kick off with a Zumba demonstration by Studio Fit, followed by a talent show for those who sign up right then and there. Previous performances have included a broom dance, singers, dancers, ball throwing, fake fishing and scooter tricks. Celebrity judge names have not yet been released.

Freedom Skate Shop will be setting up a skate zone, the only time you can skateboard in the park, and overseeing an Ollie competition where the rider and board leap into the air without the use of hands.

New this year is Luminisque Fire Troupe, performing fire dancing. The day concludes with the winner of the band competition and the rockin' reggae sounds of Ukiah's Top Shelf.

Although Grissom sees change come slowly, he is heartened to see more and more people who are supporting youth moving away from drugs and alcohol toward more healthy lifestyles.

"I have witnessed this and last year, all the years we have been doing this event, that individuals and businesses will give support to the youth of our community at the drop of a hat. They are always more than willing to support what we are doing. I don't have to ask twice."

Feeling a bit world-weary on this particular day, Grissom is able to conclude on a note of optimism: "It's important to spend time with teens, nourishing their strengths, leading them to a brighter future."

Youth Action Day is a free event at Alex Thomas Plaza from 3 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 463-4915.